Care of a Mandevilla Plant

Report This Article

Care of a Mandevilla Plant

Overview

The mandevilla (Dipladenia) vine is a tender, woody vine that produces large, pink blossoms. The vine is grown in tropical and semitropical areas. The pink blossoms bloom year-round on an evergreen vine but the heaviest bloom time is summer. Blossoms are trumpet-shaped in large clusters and measure over 4 inches across. The vine can easily grow 10 feet high, and the plants are pest free. Mandevilla vines are native to Brazil but are now commonly grown around the world in gardens. The vines are salt tolerant, which makes then ideal for growing at beach-side homes. If the mandevilla plant is killed by mild frost it will normally grow back from its root system.

Step 1

Choose an area in full sun to plant the mandevilla vine. The area should have a trellis, arbor, fence, tree or other support for the vine to use as it climbs. The mandevilla vine grows well in containers on a patio or other location in full sun. The vines can also be grown in hanging outdoor baskets. In areas that often have frost, choose a south-facing location to offer additional heat to the vine. Planting the mandevilla vine next to a house or under a tree will also offer frost protection.

Step 2

Plant the mandevilla vine in a location that offers good drainage. The vines do not like their roots to become waterlogged. The mandevilla vine can be planted year-round with success. The plants prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH balance of 5.5 to 6.5. Mix an organic material such as peat moss into the garden soil at a ratio of 50 percent peat moss with 50 percent garden soil. Dig the hole twice as large as the vine's root system. Plant the vine's root ball level with the top line of the soil. Fill the hole around the vine in using the peat moss and garden soil mixture. Tamp the soil down completely to remove all air pockets.

Step 3

Add a top dressing of mulch around the mandevilla vine. Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch such as peat moss, recycled plastic, bark chips or sawdust. Mulch will protect the plant's roots during a frost, keep the soil moist, afford shade to the roots in the height of summer and keep weed growth at bay. Water the plant thoroughly.

Step 4

Water the mandevilla vine daily until fully established. Keep the mandevilla vine moist but not waterlogged once fully established.

Step 5

Fertilize the mandevilla vine beginning in late February until the middle of October. Fertilize every two weeks using a water-soluble 10-20-10 fertilizer. Follow the directions on the label for application.

Step 6

Prune the mandevilla vine in the early spring using hand-held pruning shears Remove any old wood or broken wood. Cut the canes back to a desired height at this time. In tropical climates the mandevilla vine can be pruned back almost to the ground with no adverse effects.

Things You'll Need

Hand-held pruning shears

Mulch

Peat moss

Water-soluble 10-20-10 fertilizer

Shovel

Trellis, arbor or support for vine

References

University of Florida IFAS: Flowering Vines Of The State

Top Tropicals: Mandevilla

Local Harvest: Alice DuPont Mandevilla Vine Plant

Who Can Help

About this Author

Kimberly Sharpe is a freelance writer with a diverse background. She has worked as a Web writer for the past four years. She writes extensively for Associated Content where she is both a featured home improvement contributor (with special emphasis on gardening) and a parenting contributor. She also writes for Helium. She has worked professionally in the animal care and gardening fields.